Dodge These Running Backs During Draft Season

It’s comical that the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly getting fed up with Darren McFadden and his injury issues. If they didn’t know that he is an injury nightmare waiting to happen, they need a new recruiting team. McFadden is the literal definition of a glass house and has struggled with injury issues since he was an Arkansas Razorback. McFadden was placed on the PUP list before the start of training camp and although he is scheduled to be back within “a few days”, it won’t take long before his name is back on the list. This backfield belongs to Joseph Randle now. Jerry Jones endorsed Randle as the No. 1 back and unless he does something to relinquish that reign, there’s absolutely no reason to draft DMC.

Andre Ellington, Cardinals:

Andre Ellington was the man in Arizona and did everything coaches asked of him last year. Unfortunately, everything was too much for the smaller back, and the workload started to take its toll. Ellington suffered hip and foot injuries and needed sports hernia surgery in the offseason. The Cards wisely used a third round pick on Northern Iowa running back, David Johnson. At 6’1”, 225 pounds, Johnson has the body to bang inside between the tackles. Johnson may not have the quickness or awareness as Ellington, but he will steal carries and red zone looks to keep Ellington healthy. Now, with a decline in touches, Ellington will have to rely more on big plays in the open field to remain a viable fantasy back.

Rashad Jennings, Giants:

Remaining in the NFC East, Rashad Jennings is also a candidate for the injury prone tag. Now at age 30, Jennings has never completed a full 16-game season. In 2014, Jennings missed five games with knee and ankle injuries. Headed into 2015, the Giants backfield got a little more crowded with the addition of Shave Vereen. The receiving-back will most certainly steal receptions away from Jennings in the spread, McAdoo offense. Second-year back, Andre Williams is also in the mix and figures to be a touchdown vulture when the team nears the red zone. Jennings will get first crack at the early downs but there are just too many mouths too feed in New York now.

Arian Foster, Texans:

Arian Foster will always draw a red flag during draft days but his most recent injury is a clear warning sign to stay away. Foster will undergo surgery this week after he actually tore his groin muscle off of the bone during the Texans first full padded practice. He will likely be placed on the short-term injured reserve, but could miss the entire season. This year will mark the third consecutive season that the running back has missed time due to injury. Granted, last season Foster missed three games and still finished as fantasy’s No. 5 back. There’s no denying Foster’s production when he is healthy, he just isn’t healthy enough to play for your fantasy team.